CN109625637B

CN109625637B - Feeding device

Info

Publication number: CN109625637B
Application number: CN201910103976.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丁要武
Original assignee: Tianzhou Medical Suzhou Co ltd
Current assignee: Tianzhou Packaging Suzhou Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-01
Filing date: 2019-02-01
Publication date: 2024-04-12
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-01
Also published as: WO2020155658A1; CN109625637A

Abstract

A feeding device usable for dispensing a product from a container, comprising: the device main part, the device main part includes the column wall, the column wall forms the cavity to including feed inlet and discharge gate, when feeder installs on the container, the inside intercommunication of feed inlet and container is provided with sealing member in the cavity, including the tolerance in the sealing member, and can be in the cavity between first position and the second position reciprocating motion, in first position, the tolerance is linked together with the feed inlet, and seals for the discharge gate of cavity, in the second position, the tolerance is linked together with the discharge gate of cavity, and seals for the feed inlet. The feeding device is simple in structure, small in risk of being blocked and capable of reducing leakage.

Description

Feeding device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a feeding device for dispensing a product outwards from a container, which feeding device is capable of dispensing the product quantitatively.

Background

In household products such as fumigators, hand cleaners, liquid mosquito-repellent incense machines, etc., it is often necessary to provide feeding means for dispensing the respective product from the container. Also, in such applications, it is often desirable that the feeding device be capable of dosing.

Typically, such feeding devices are provided with a one-way valve which enables the product to be dispensed from the container, while preventing backflow of the product back into the container. Further, in some cases, the dispensed product can also be dosed through the one-way valve.

However, the above-mentioned existing feeding devices often present problems in application. For example, in some cases, the product in the container may carry solid particulate matter, such that after a period of use, the one-way valve may become clogged with the solid particulate matter therein, and normal use may not continue, and the dosing of the one-way valve in existing dosing devices is sometimes inaccurate. In the conventional feeder, the air pressure inside and outside the container may not be balanced effectively, and leakage may occur. In order to realize air pressure balance, balance holes are needed to be arranged in the feeding device, and the complexity of the structure of the device is increased.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned applications, the container is often used upside down, which may also result in the non-normal use of the non-return valve.

Therefore, there is a need for a feeding device of an improved structure that can achieve the balance of the internal and external air pressures with a simple structure, and that is stable in performance, reliable in operation, and the like.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention solves at least one of the above-mentioned problems with prior art feeding devices by a novel feeding device construction.

The invention aims to provide a feeding device which is simple in structure, can reduce or avoid the risk of blocking a material channel and is reliable in operation.

The feeding device of the present invention may be used for dispensing a product from a container, comprising: the device main part, the device main part includes the column wall, the column wall forms the cavity to including feed inlet and discharge gate, when feeder installs on the container, the inside intercommunication of feed inlet and container is provided with sealing member in the cavity, including the tolerance in the sealing member, and can be in the cavity between first position and the second position reciprocating motion, in first position, the tolerance is linked together with the feed inlet, and seals for the discharge gate of cavity, in the second position, the tolerance is linked together with the discharge gate of cavity, and seals for the feed inlet. With the feeding device having the above-described structure, it is within the scope of the present invention that the sealing member may be located at either the above-described first position or the above-described second position in the stand-by state.

The feeding device with the structure has a simple structure, and the sealing member capable of reciprocating is used for enabling the tolerance in the sealing member to be alternately communicated with the inside of the container and the outside of the cavity, so that the distribution of products in the container is realized, and the risk of blockage by the products is small. Moreover, the same volume of external air can occupy the volume of the tolerance while dispensing the product, and finally enter the container, thereby realizing the pressure balance inside and outside the container and further avoiding the leakage of the product from the container.

In particular, the sealing member is a plunger comprising a plunger rod and a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring formed on the plunger rod, the first sealing ring being spaced apart from the second sealing ring such that a clearance is formed between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring.

Preferably, the plunger includes a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion, a first seal ring being formed on the first plunger portion, and a second seal ring being formed on the second plunger portion, wherein the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion are movable relative to each other to adjust a distance between the first seal ring and the second seal ring.

In this way, by adjusting the distance between the first seal ring and the second seal ring, the volume of the clearance formed between the first seal ring and the second seal ring is adjusted. Thus, the amount of product to be dispensed can be set as desired.

Further, the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion may be interconnected by a threaded structure.

In one particular configuration, the cavity includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, in a first position the first seal ring and the second seal ring are in interference fit with the cylindrical wall at the small diameter portion, in a second position the first seal ring is still in the small diameter portion and remains in interference fit with the cylindrical wall, while the second seal ring enters the large diameter portion and forms a void between the second seal ring and the cylindrical wall.

Or in another arrangement, in a first position the first and second seal rings are in interference fit with the cylindrical wall, and in a second position the first seal ring remains in interference fit with the cylindrical wall while the second seal ring is moved out of the cavity.

In yet another configuration, the cavity includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, and the diameter of the first seal ring is smaller than the diameter of the second seal ring, wherein in a first position the first seal ring is in interference fit with the cylindrical wall at the small diameter portion and the second seal ring is in interference fit with the cylindrical wall at the large diameter portion, and in a second position the first seal ring is still in the small diameter portion and remains in interference fit with the cylindrical wall while the second seal ring is moved out of the cavity.

Preferably, the feeding device further comprises an elastic reset mechanism, one end of the elastic reset mechanism is directly or indirectly abutted on the sealing member, and the other end of the elastic reset mechanism is directly or indirectly abutted on the device main body.

Further, the feeding device comprises an actuating member, to which the sealing member is connected, the actuating member being movable relative to the device body, thereby bringing the sealing member between the first and second positions.

In one configuration, the actuation member is a push cover, one end of the spring is abutted against the push cover, and the other end of the spring is abutted against the device body. In this structure, in the standby state, the sealing member is in the second position with the clearance in communication with the discharge port, and at the start of use, the sealing member is moved to the first position against the spring force by pressing the pressing cover, so that the clearance is in communication with the feed port.

In another construction, the feeding device further comprises a dispensing cap fixedly mounted at the discharge opening of the device body, the dispensing cap being provided with a dispensing opening, wherein the actuating member is a tension cap, one end of the spring is abutted against the sealing member, and the other end of the spring is abutted against the dispensing cap. In this configuration, in the standby state, the sealing member is in the first position with its clearance in communication with the feed port, and at the start of use, the sealing member is moved to the second position against the spring force by applying a tensile force to the tension cover, thereby causing the clearance in communication with the discharge port.

In still another structure, the seal member includes a spring support rod that, in an installed state, protrudes into the container through a hole in the top wall of the device body, a flange portion is formed at an end of the spring support rod that protrudes into the container, one end of the elastic return mechanism abuts on the flange portion, and the other end abuts on an outer surface of the top wall.

Preferably, the elastic restoring mechanism comprises at least one elastic strip, one end of the elastic strip is directly or indirectly abutted on the sealing member capable of reciprocating, and the other end of the elastic strip is directly or indirectly abutted on the device main body, and wherein: the elastic reset mechanism can rotate relative to the sealing member, a pre-loading structure is arranged between the elastic reset mechanism and the sealing member, and the elastic strip is switched between an unloaded state and a pre-loaded state through the rotation of the elastic reset mechanism relative to the sealing member; or the elastic reset mechanism can rotate relative to the device main body, a pre-loading structure is arranged between the elastic reset mechanism and the device, and the elastic strip is switched between an unloaded state and a pre-loading state through the rotation of the elastic reset mechanism relative to the device main body.

This structure is particularly useful for elastic return mechanisms in which the elastic strip is made of plastic, by means of which the preloaded structure can be put in an unloaded state in the inactive state, thus avoiding yielding deformation of the elastic strip due to the long-term loading state, and prolonging the service life of the device.

Preferably, the preloading structure comprises: a spiral groove provided on one of the elastic restoring mechanism and the sealing member, and a spiral protrusion provided on the other of the elastic restoring mechanism and the sealing member; or the pre-load structure comprises: a spiral groove provided on one of the elastic restoring mechanism and the device body, and a spiral convex strip provided on the other of the elastic restoring mechanism and the device body.

Drawings

The construction of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1a shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the feeding device is mounted on a container.

Fig. 1b shows a cross-sectional view of the feeder device of fig. 1a in another state.

Fig. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the device body on the feeder device of fig. 1 a.

Fig. 2b shows a perspective view of the feeder device of fig. 2 a.

Fig. 3a shows a cross-sectional view of a plunger on the feeding device of fig. 1 a.

Fig. 3b shows a perspective view of the plunger of fig. 3 a.

Fig. 4a shows a cross-section of a press cap on the feeder device of fig. 1 a.

Fig. 4b shows a perspective view of the pressing cover of fig. 4 a.

Fig. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing cap on the feeder device of fig. 1 a.

Fig. 5b shows a perspective view of the dispensing cap of fig. 5 a.

Fig. 5c shows a bottom view of the dispensing cap of fig. 5 a.

Fig. 6a shows a cross-sectional view of a feeding device according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the feeding device is mounted on a container.

Fig. 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the feeder device of fig. 6a in another state.

Fig. 7a shows a cross-sectional view of a feeding device according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the feeding device is mounted on a container.

Fig. 7b shows a cross-sectional view of the feeder device of fig. 7a in another state.

Fig. 8a shows a cross-sectional view of a feeding device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the feeding device is mounted on a container.

Fig. 8b shows a cross-sectional view of the feeder device of fig. 8a in another state.

Fig. 9a shows a cross-sectional view of a feeding device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, wherein the feeding device is mounted on a container.

Fig. 9b shows a cross-sectional view of the feeder device of fig. 9a in another state.

Fig. 10a shows a cross-sectional view of a feeding device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, wherein the feeding device is mounted on a container.

Fig. 10b shows a cross-sectional view of the feeder device of fig. 10a in another state.

Fig. 11 shows a front view of the second plunger portion of the plunger of fig. 10a and 10 b.

Fig. 12a shows a cross-sectional view of a feeding device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, wherein the resilient return mechanism of the feeding device is in an unloaded state.

Fig. 12b shows another cross-sectional view of the feeder device of fig. 12a, wherein the resilient return mechanism of the feeder device is in a preloaded state.

Fig. 12c shows a further cross-sectional view of the feeder device of fig. 12a, wherein the resilient return mechanism of the feeder device is in a compressed state.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the feeder device of fig. 12 a.

Fig. 14a shows a front view of the plunger of the feeding device of fig. 12 a.

Fig. 14b shows a perspective view of the plunger shown in fig. 14 a.

Fig. 15a shows a cross-sectional view of the resilient return mechanism of the feeder device of fig. 12 a.

Fig. 15b shows a perspective view of the elastic return mechanism of fig. 15 a.

Fig. 16a shows a front view of the device body of the feeder device of fig. 12 a.

Fig. 16b shows a perspective view of the device body of fig. 16 a.

Fig. 17a shows a cross-sectional view of a feeding device according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, wherein the feeding device is mounted on a container.

Fig. 17b shows another cross-sectional view of the feeder device in fig. 17 a.

Fig. 18 shows a front view of the device body of the feeding device in fig. 17 a.

Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the medicine cup of the feeding device of fig. 17 a.

Detailed Description

The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only illustrative of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various obvious modifications, variations, equivalent substitutions of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art on the basis of the embodiments shown in the drawings, and the technical features of the different embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict or special description, which fall within the scope of the invention.

< first embodiment >

Fig. 1a to 5b show a feeding device 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 1a and 1b, a feeding device 100 is installed at the outlet of the container 1, the feeding device 100 including a device body 110 and a plunger 120 provided in the device body 110. Components such as a pressing cover 130, a dispensing cover 150, and the like are further provided on the apparatus main body 110, and an elastic restoring means such as a spring 140 for restoring the pressing cover 130 after the pressing cover 130 is pressed is further provided between the pressing cover 130 and the apparatus main body 110. The following describes the structure of each component of the feeder 100 in detail.

Device main body

Fig. 2a and 2b show the structure of the device body 110, wherein fig. 2a is a sectional view of the device body 110, and fig. 2b is a perspective view of the device body 110. As shown, the cylindrical wall of the device body 110 has a chamber 111 formed therein, and at least one, preferably two feed openings 112 as shown in fig. 2a are also formed in the cylindrical wall, through which the chamber 111 communicates with the interior of the container 1, so that the flowable product contained in the container 1 can flow into the chamber 111 of the device body 110. One end of the cylindrical wall is a closed end and the other end opposite the closed end is an open end, forming a discharge port 114 of the chamber 111.

In the configuration shown in fig. 2a, the chamber 111 includes a small diameter portion near the inlet 112 and a large diameter portion near the outlet 114. Such a large and small diameter configuration may cooperate and cooperate with the configuration of the plunger 120, which will be described below, to achieve a metered dispensing of the product within the container 1.

As shown in fig. 2a and 2b, a spring receiving groove 113 is further provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical wall of the apparatus body 110, and one end of the spring 140 may be supported in the spring receiving groove 113. The other end of the spring 140 is supported on the pressing cover 130. Thus, when the pressing cover 130 is pressed toward the container 1, the spring 140 is compressed, and when the pressing force is removed, the spring 140 may return the pressing cover 130.

Of course, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the configuration of the spring receiving slot 113 is optional. In other words, the device body 110 may not include the spring receiving groove 113, and the spring 140 may be supported at this time

Plunger piston

Fig. 3a and 3b show the structure of the plunger 120, wherein fig. 3a is a sectional view of the plunger 120 and fig. 3b is a perspective view of the plunger 120.

As shown, the plunger 120 includes a plunger rod 123, and a first seal ring 121 and a second seal ring 122 are formed on the plunger rod 123 to be spaced apart from each other. A gap 124 capable of receiving the product from the container 1 is formed between the first sealing ring 121 and the second sealing ring 122.

A collar 125 is formed on one end of the plunger rod 123, which collar 125 may be used to connect the plunger 120 to the pressing cap 130 or the dispensing cap 150, as will be described in detail below.

Pressing cover

Fig. 4a and 4b show the structure of the pressing cover 130, wherein fig. 4a shows a sectional view of the pressing cover 130 and fig. 4b shows a perspective view of the pressing cover 130.

As shown in fig. 4a, the pressing cover 130 includes therein a plunger rod 131, and the plunger rod 131 extends from the bottom of the pressing cover 130. A recess 133 is formed on an end of the plunger rod 131 remote from the bottom of the pressing cap 130, the recess 133 for receiving the end of the plunger rod 123 formed with the collar 125 described above. Further, a female ring may be formed in the recess 133 for mating with the male ring 125 on the plunger rod 123. Alternatively, the plunger rod 131 and the plunger rod 123 may be connected together by other means, for example, the outer diameter of the plunger rod 123 may be set slightly larger than the inner diameter of the recess 133 of the plunger rod 131 so that they are interference fit with each other, or they may be connected together by welding, fusing, screwing, or the like.

A through hole 132 is also formed on the bottom of the pressing cover 130, and the product from the container 1 can be finally dispensed through the through hole 132.

Dispensing cap

Fig. 5 a-5 c illustrate the structure of the dispensing cap 150, wherein fig. 5a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing cap 150, fig. 5b illustrates a perspective view of the dispensing cap 150, and fig. 5c illustrates a bottom view of the dispensing cap 150.

The dispensing cap 150 may be coupled to the device body 110 by a screw connection or the like. As shown, the dispensing cap 150 includes a dispensing port 151 through which product from the container 1 can be dispensed. The dispensing opening 151 may be inserted into and through the through hole 132 of the pressing cap 130. Also formed in the dispensing cap 150 is a passageway 152 through which the plunger rod 131 of the push cap 130 can pass to connect with the plunger rod 123 of the plunger 120, see in particular figures 1a and 1b.

Principle of operation

Returning to fig. 1a and 1b, the principle of operation of the feeding device 100 of the first embodiment will be described below.

When a user needs to dispense a set amount of product from the container 1, the pressing cap 130 is first pressed so that the plunger 120 connected to the plunger rod 131 of the pressing cap 130 moves to the top dead center of its stroke within the chamber 111 of the device body 110, as shown in fig. 1 a. At this time, the clearance 124 between the first seal ring 121 and the second seal ring 122 of the plunger 120 communicates with the inlet 112 formed on the columnar wall of the apparatus main body 110, and thus communicates with the inside of the container 1. In this way, the product in the container 1 can enter the receptacle 124. At the same time, both the first sealing ring 121 and the second sealing ring 122 are located in the small diameter portion of the chamber 111, and are interference fit with the cylindrical wall to form a seal, so that the product flowing into the gap 124 between the first sealing ring 121 and the second sealing ring 122 does not flow further downward.

Next, the user removes the pressing force applied to the pressing cap 130, and the dispensing cap 150 moves downward by the elastic force of the spring 140, returning to its original unstressed state, as shown in fig. 1b. The plunger 120 connected to the plunger connecting rod 131 of the pressing cap 130 also moves downward together therewith. During this process, the second seal ring 122 moves into the large diameter portion of the chamber 111 out of contact with the columnar wall of the apparatus main body 110, i.e., a gap is formed between the second seal ring 122 and the columnar wall of the apparatus main body 110. The product accommodated between the first seal ring 121 and the second seal ring 122 flows into the dispensing cap 150 via the gap, and flows to the outside via the dispensing port 151 of the dispensing cap 150.

At this time, as shown in fig. 1b, the first sealing ring 121 is still in the small diameter portion of the chamber 111 and is located below the feed inlet 112, thus sealing the gap 124 between the first sealing ring 121 and the second sealing ring 122 from the interior of the container 1, so that the product in the container 1 cannot enter into the gap 124.

As can be seen from the above disclosure of the principle of operation of the feeding device 100, in this feeding device 100 the gap 124 between the first sealing ring 121 and the second sealing ring 122 acts as a metering, i.e. the volume of the gap 124 is the volume of the product dispensed from the container 1 each time, so that the amount of product dispensed each time is constant.

Also, in the state shown in fig. 1b, the plunger rod 123 communicates with the outside through a gap between the second seal ring 122 and the cylindrical wall of the device body 110. Thus, while the product flows out of the receptacle 124, outside air enters the receptacle 124 through the gap, whereas in the state shown in fig. 1a, the product in the container 1 flows into the receptacle 124, whereas the air in the receptacle 124 is displaced into the container 1. Thereby, an equilibrium of the internal and external pressure of the container 1 is achieved, and further leakage of the product in the container 1 due to pressure imbalance is avoided.

< second embodiment >

Fig. 6a and 6b show a feeding device 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Wherein the same or corresponding feature parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and features different from the first embodiment are mainly described in the following disclosure without detailed description of the same features. The features described in the first embodiment are equally applicable to the second embodiment unless described to the contrary.

As shown in fig. 6a, the feeding device 200 mounted on the container 1 includes a device body 210, a chamber is formed in the device body 210, a plunger 220 is accommodated in the chamber, a dispensing cap 250 is mounted on the device body 210 by means such as screw connection, and a plunger rod 251 extending from the bottom thereof is formed in the dispensing cap 250. The plunger 220 is relatively movably connected to the plunger rod 251 by its plunger rod 223. Spring 240 is supported between plunger 220 and dispensing tip 250. In the particular construction shown in fig. 6a, a cavity is formed in the plunger rod 223 into which the plunger rod 251 can be fitted but is not fixed so that the plunger rod 223 can move relative to the plunger rod 251. The upper end of the spring 240 abuts against the lower end of the plunger rod 223, and the lower end of the spring 240 abuts against the bottom surface of the dispensing cap 250.

In a second embodiment, the container 1 is made of a flexible material, which container 1 can be pinched along arrow D1 in fig. 6a, such that the product in the container 1 flows into the clearance 224 between the first 221 and second 222 sealing rings of the plunger 220 via the inlet 212, and further pinching of the container 1 can move the plunger 220 downwards under pressure against the spring force of the spring 240. When the second sealing ring 222 moves to the large diameter portion of the cavity, the product in the tolerance 224 flows into the dispensing cap 250 and out through the channel 252. And, at this time, the second sealing ring 221 seals the gap 224 against the feed port 212 so that the product in the container 1 cannot flow out further, thereby ensuring that the set amount of product is dispensed.

When the user removes the pressing force applied to the container 1, the plunger 220 is restored to the original state shown in fig. 6a by the elastic force of the spring 240 to be dispensed next.

It can be seen that in the second embodiment, the dispensing of the product is achieved by pinching the container 1, so that the pressing cap in the first embodiment can be omitted.

< third embodiment >

Fig. 7a and 7b show a feeding device 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention. Wherein the same or corresponding feature parts as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and features different from the first and second embodiments are mainly described in the following disclosure without detailed description of the same features. The features described in the first and second embodiments are equally applicable to the third embodiment unless described to the contrary.

As shown in the drawing, in the feeding device 300 of the third embodiment, a hole is formed in the top wall of the device body 310. The plunger 320 includes a spring-loaded rod 324, which spring-loaded rod 324 extends into the container 1 through an aperture in the top wall of the device body 310. The spring support rod 324 has a substantially T-shape, and has a flange portion with a large diameter at its top end, and a spring 340 is provided around the spring support rod, one end of which is supported by the flange portion 325, and the other end of which is supported outside the top wall of the apparatus main body 310.

In addition, as shown in the drawing, in the feeding device 300 of the third embodiment, not only the inlet 312 is provided on the columnar wall of the device body 310, but also the inlet 312 is provided on the top wall of the device body 310. Further, in the feeding device 300, the cavity 311 of the device body 310 is constant in diameter along its longitudinal direction. In the state shown in fig. 7b, in which the stroke of the plunger 320 is at bottom dead centre, the first sealing ring 321 is still in the cavity, whereas the second sealing ring 322 is moved outside the cavity, thereby allowing the product in the clearance between the first sealing ring 321 and the second sealing ring 322 to be dispensed outside the feeding device 300.

As shown in fig. 7a, when the plunger 320 is at the top dead center of its stroke, the feeding device 300 is in a standby state, at which time a protective cover 330 may be provided on the device body 310 of the feeding device 300.

< fourth embodiment >

Fig. 8a and 8b show a fourth embodiment of a feeding device 400 according to the invention. Wherein the same or corresponding feature parts as those of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and features different from the first to third embodiments are mainly described in the following disclosure without detailed description of the same features. The features described in the first to third embodiments are equally applicable to the fourth embodiment unless described to the contrary.

It can be seen that the structure of the feeding device 400 of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the feeding device 300 of the third embodiment. In contrast, the chamber 411 of the apparatus body 410 of the feeding apparatus 400 includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion as in the first and second embodiments, and the diameter of the first seal ring 421 is smaller than that of the second seal ring 422. As shown in fig. 8a, when the plunger 420 is in the top dead center position of its travel, its first seal ring 421 is located within the small diameter portion and is in interference fit with the cylindrical wall at the small diameter portion, and its second seal ring 422 is located within the large diameter portion and is in interference fit with the cylindrical wall at the large diameter portion.

When the feeding device 400 is operated, for example by pinching the container 1, the plunger 420 is moved downwards under pressure, and when the plunger 420 moves to its stroke bottom dead centre as shown in fig. 8b, the second sealing ring 422 of the plunger 420 moves out of the chamber 411, whereby the product contained between the first sealing ring 421 and the second sealing ring 422 can be dispensed. At this time, the first sealing ring 421 is still sealed in the small diameter portion of the chamber 411 and seals the discharge port 412 of the apparatus body 410.

The feeding device 400 of this fourth embodiment may also be provided with a protective cover as in the third embodiment.

< fifth embodiment >

Fig. 9a and 9b show a fifth embodiment of a feeding device 500 according to the invention. Wherein the same or corresponding feature parts as those of the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and features different from the first to fourth embodiments are mainly described in the following disclosure without detailed description of the same features. The features described in the first to fourth embodiments are equally applicable to the fifth embodiment unless described to the contrary.

The feeding device 500 includes a device body 510, a plunger 520, a tension cap 530, and a dispensing cap 550. And, the feeding device 500 further comprises a spring 540, which spring 540 acts on the plunger 520, which spring 540 enables the plunger 520 to resume its initial position after movement. One end of the spring 540 abuts the plunger 520 and the other end abuts the dispensing cap 550 as shown in fig. 9a and 9 b. Thus, the state shown in fig. 9a in which the plunger 520 is at the stroke top dead center is the stand-by state of the feeding device 500. When the feeding device 500 is operated, the tension cap 530 is pulled in the direction of arrow D2, thereby driving the plunger 520 downward to the position shown in fig. 9 b. In the process, the spring 540 is compressed such that when the tension applied to the tension cap 530 is released, the spring force of the compressed spring 540 returns the plunger 520 to its top dead center of travel.

< sixth embodiment >

Fig. 10a and 10b show a sixth embodiment of a feeding device 600 according to the invention. Wherein the same or corresponding feature parts as those of the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and features different from the first to fifth embodiments are mainly described in the following disclosure without detailed description of the same features. The features described in the first to fifth embodiments are equally applicable to the sixth embodiment unless described to the contrary.

As can be seen in fig. 10a and 10b, the feeding device 600 has substantially the same structure as the feeding device 300, and also includes a device body 610 and a plunger 620, and a protective cover 630 may be provided on the device body 610 of the feeding device 600.

In the feeding device 600 of the sixth embodiment, the plunger 620 includes a first plunger portion 621 and a second plunger portion 622, and the first plunger portion 621 and the second plunger portion 622 are relatively movably connected to each other. A first seal ring 623 is formed on the first plunger portion 621, and a second seal ring 624 is formed on the second plunger portion 622.

With further reference to fig. 11, a front view of the second plunger portion 622 is shown. As can be seen from fig. 11, an externally threaded connection 625 in the form of a threaded male strip is formed on the plunger rod portion of the second plunger portion 622, while an internally threaded connection 626 in the form of a threaded female groove is formed on the plunger rod portion of the first plunger portion 621. In this way, by rotating the first and second plunger portions 621 and 622 relative to each other, the distance between the first and second sealing rings 623 and 624 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the volume of the clearance formed between the first and second sealing rings 623 and 624.

In the configuration shown in fig. 10a, in the inactive state, the plunger 620 of the plunger 620 is connected to the protective cover 630 and is fixed in position relative to the protective cover 630. Thus, when the user rotates the protective cover 630, the second plunger portion 622 can be rotated with respect to the first plunger portion 621, thereby adjusting the distance between the first sealing ring 623 and the second sealing ring 624.

Other structures besides an internally and externally threaded connection may be employed to effect relative movement between the first and second plunger portions 621, 622. For example, a plurality of outer collars may be formed on one of the first and second plunger portions 621, 622 and a plurality of inner collars may be formed on the other, with adjustment of the relative position between the first and second plunger portions 621, 622 being accomplished by mating between the different collars.

< seventh embodiment >

Fig. 12 a-16 b show a feeding device 700 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. Wherein the same or corresponding feature parts as those of the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and features different from the first to sixth embodiments are mainly described in the following disclosure without detailed description of the same features. The features described in the first to sixth embodiments are equally applicable to the seventh embodiment unless described to the contrary.

Fig. 12a to 12c show sectional views of the feeder 700 mounted on the container 1 in different states, while fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the feeder 700. As shown, the feeding device 700 includes a device body 710, a plunger 720 received in a cavity of the device body 710, and a resilient return mechanism 740. Wherein the elastic return mechanism 740 comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of elastic strips 741. A guide portion 712 is also formed on the top wall of the device body 710, the guide portion 712 supporting and guiding one end of the elastic return mechanism 740 to move between the unloaded position and the preloaded position.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 14a and 14b, a spiral protrusion 723 is formed on one end of the plunger 720. As shown in fig. 15a and 15b, a ring 742 is provided at one end of the elastic restoring mechanism 740, and the elastic strips 741 are connected together by the ring 742. A spiral groove 743 is formed on an inner surface of the ring 742, and the spiral groove 743 may be engaged with the spiral rib 723. When the plunger 720 is rotated relative to the elastic return mechanism 740, the helical rib 723 on the plunger 720 interacts with the helical groove 743 on the elastic return mechanism 740 such that the end of the elastic return mechanism 740 provided with the ring 742 is able to move in the longitudinal direction of the plunger 720, thereby switching the elastic return mechanism 740 between the unloaded state and the preloaded state.

Thus, in the structure of the seventh embodiment, the elastic return mechanism 740 may be made of plastic, and in the standby state, the elastic return mechanism 740 may be placed in an unloaded state, thereby avoiding yielding deformation of the elastic return mechanism 740 due to long-term placement in a loaded state, and improving the service life thereof.

In the structure shown in fig. 12a to 12c, the plunger 720 is formed by two parts being connected to each other. However, the plunger 720 may also be formed as one piece as the plunger 120 in the first embodiment.

In addition, the structure of the spiral protrusion 723 on the plunger 720 and the structure of the spiral groove 743 on the elastic restoring mechanism 740 may be interchanged, that is, the spiral groove is formed on the plunger 720 and the spiral protrusion is formed on the elastic restoring mechanism 740. This is also within the scope of the present invention.

< eighth embodiment >

Fig. 17a to 19 show a feeder 800 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. Wherein the same or corresponding feature parts as those of the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and features different from the first to seventh embodiments are mainly described in the following disclosure without detailed description of the same features. The features described in the first to seventh embodiments are equally applicable to the eighth embodiment unless described to the contrary.

Wherein the feeding device 800 comprises a device body 810, a plunger 820 provided in the device body 810, and a medicine cup 830. The cup 830 is detachably connected to the device body 810 and the plunger 820.

Specifically, as shown in the drawing, external threads 811 are provided on the outer surface of the device body 810, and internal threads 831 are formed on the inner surface of the medicine cup 830, and the medicine cup 830 is detachably coupled to the device body 810 by the engagement between the external threads 811 and the internal threads 831.

Further, a plunger coupling 832 is formed in the drug cup 830 that is detachably coupled to the plunger rod of the plunger 820, such as by a male-female ring fit. In the initial state, the gap between the two sealing rings of the plunger 820 is in communication with the interior of the container 1, so that pills in the container 1 can enter the gap. The cup 830 is then rotated relative to the device body 810, causing the cup 830 to separate from the device body 810, with the receptacle in the plunger 820 sealed from the interior of the container 1 and communicating with the exterior of the cavity of the device body 810, such that pills in the receptacle fall into the cup 830. The cup 830 is pulled further downward such that the cup 830 is separated from the plunger rod of the plunger 820. The user may then take the pills in the cup 830.

Thereafter, the user may cover the cup 830 back onto the device body 810, during which time the cup 830 is again attached to the device body 810 and connected to the plunger rod of the plunger 820. In addition, in the process of screwing the medicine cup 830 onto the device body 810, the plunger 820 can be returned to the position where the clearance thereof communicates with the inside of the container 1 as shown in fig. 17 a.

< other modifications >

The foregoing describes specific embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that obvious modifications may be made to these embodiments and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the embodiments described above, the plunger may be moved from and returned to its initial position by the feeding means being provided with elastic return means, such as springs, elastic strips or the like, and with actuating means, such as a press cap, a tension cap or the like. The actuating structure is thus optional and the plunger may be reciprocated by an electrically driven means. Furthermore, a simple electronic control device such as a single chip microcomputer can be arranged in the feeding device to control the reciprocating motion of the plunger.

In addition, the feeding device of the present invention can be used for dispensing liquid, semi-liquid, etc. products having fluidity in general. Solid particles may be incorporated into the flowable product, and the invention is particularly advantageous in dispensing solid particle-doped applications, which substantially avoids the problems of blockage and damage by solid particles that are often encountered with prior dispensing devices.

Even further, the invention is applicable to particulate products that are entirely solid, such as pills and the like. A specific application of the dispensing device 800 for dispensing pills is shown in fig. 17 a-19.

The above modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feeding device for dispensing a product from a container, the feeding device comprising a device body comprising a cylindrical wall forming a cavity and comprising a feed opening and a discharge opening, the feed opening being in communication with the interior of the container when the feeding device is mounted to the container, characterized in that a sealing member is provided in the cavity, the sealing member comprising a clearance and being reciprocable in the cavity between a first position in which the clearance is in communication with the feed opening and thereby with the interior of the container and is sealed with respect to the discharge opening of the cavity, and a second position in which the clearance is in communication with the discharge opening of the cavity and is sealed with respect to the feed opening, whereby the product in the container is sealed with respect to the interior of the container so that it cannot enter the clearance;

the sealing member is a plunger comprising a plunger rod and a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring formed on the plunger rod, the first sealing ring being spaced apart from the second sealing ring such that the tolerance is formed between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring.

2. The feed device of claim 1, wherein the plunger comprises a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion, the first seal ring being formed on the first plunger portion and the second seal ring being formed on the second plunger portion, wherein the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion are movable relative to each other to adjust a distance between the first seal ring and the second seal ring.

3. The feed device of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, in the first position the first seal ring and the second seal ring are in interference fit with the cylindrical wall at the small diameter portion, in the second position the first seal ring is still in the small diameter portion and remains in interference fit with the cylindrical wall, and the second seal ring enters the large diameter portion and forms a void between the second seal ring and the cylindrical wall.

4. The feeder device of claim 1, wherein in the first position the first seal ring and the second seal ring are in interference fit with the cylindrical wall, and in the second position the first seal ring remains in interference fit with the cylindrical wall while the second seal ring moves out of the cavity.

5. The feed device of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, and the diameter of the first seal ring is smaller than the diameter of the second seal ring, wherein in the first position the first seal ring is in interference fit with the cylindrical wall at the small diameter portion, and wherein the second seal ring is in interference fit with the cylindrical wall at the large diameter portion, and wherein in the second position the first seal ring remains in the small diameter portion and remains in interference fit with the cylindrical wall, and the second seal ring moves out of the cavity.

6. The feeding device of claim 1, further comprising a resilient return mechanism having one end directly or indirectly abutting against the sealing member and the other end directly or indirectly abutting against the device body.

7. A feeding device according to claim 6, wherein the feeding device comprises an actuating member, the sealing member being connected to the actuating member, the actuating member being movable relative to the device body to bring the sealing member between the first and second positions.

8. A feeding device according to claim 6, wherein said elastic return means comprises at least one elastic strip, one end of which abuts directly or indirectly against said sealing member reciprocally movable, and the other end of which abuts directly or indirectly against said device body, and wherein,

the elastic reset mechanism can rotate relative to the sealing member, a pre-loading structure is arranged between the elastic reset mechanism and the sealing member, and the elastic strip is switched between an unloaded state and a pre-loading state through the rotation of the elastic reset mechanism relative to the sealing member; or alternatively

The elastic return mechanism is rotatable relative to the device body, a pre-load structure is provided between the elastic return mechanism and the device, and the elastic strip is switched between an unloaded state and a pre-loaded state by rotation of the elastic return mechanism relative to the device body.

9. The feeder device of claim 8, wherein the preloading structure comprises: a spiral groove provided on one of the elastic restoring mechanism and the sealing member, and a spiral protrusion provided on the other of the elastic restoring mechanism and the sealing member; or alternatively

The preload structure comprises: a spiral groove provided on one of the elastic return mechanism and the device body, and a spiral ridge provided on the other of the elastic return mechanism and the device body.